he cornea is composed of five layers, called the .
( 1 ) Epithelial Layer, (2) Bowman’s Membrane, (3) Stroma Propria (cornea
proper), (4) Descemet’s Membrane. (5) Endothelial Layer
- Theses layers are so even
- The piehtelial coat = iin reality – is the continuation of the
peithelium of the conjunctiva buulbae – having lots its connective
tissue subepithelialc coat – or stroma of the conjunctiva bulbar – at
the libus
o Its inner surface lies on the sperfectly smooth membrane
o Without any connective tissue intervening – consequently it
may be readily separated from its rather loose attachment –
The lack of intervening tissue = prevents the stretching
of this epithleial layer = so that it si impossible – y
suturing to bring the int
- The stroma priopria
o Consist of a moedified COnnectvei tissue – placed in even
layers or lamellae – lying perfectll parallel – numbering ~70
even rows – which are continuous with the lamellae of the
sclera
o He lamellae – are united by a cement-like substance – through
which are interspersed the fixed cells of the cornea (corneal
corpuscles)
Regular nueclsi + long processes – stretches out to
connect with the adjoining corneal corpuscles
= tree-shaped prolongations, but more like protoplasmic
net-work of flat ribbon-shapeed projections
o The larger braches – enter the deeper structures + the more
esparse branches
- The corneal nerves –
o The rneve seon entering the cornea – lose their medulalary
sheath v near the limbus + spread out ito the fine fibrillae –
which end, towards the coneal summit – in amonug the
intercellular spceas of the epi – so that any erosions fo the
epithelau = leave barare
o Possess a highly -developed + intricate nerve supply
From the anterior ciliary n – derived nerve fibres which
not only supply the cornea – but send branches to the
iris and ciliary muscles, near the lmbus, or sclero-
corneal margin – there to form a dense plexus called
plexus Annularis
This plexus = contains both medullated + non-
medullated fibers + from it are derived the
penetrating branches into the uveal body
The corneal fibres = re variable in size, containing
anywhere from 3-12 ilaments
Of no which penetrate the cornea – toatllying ~80
– more than half (5/8) pass to the anterior surface,
and less than half – to the stroma cornea
o The anterior division containg more of the
medullated vacriety
About 1mm – from the limbus – all filaments
become non-medullated- and therefore
transpararent
- These are distributed in an intricate network thoguhout the corneal
tissue – esp antr portion fot he corneal tissue
o The anastomosis – or network junction are so numerous – tha
the ganglion cells – have been supposed to be situated at he
corssing points
